NUGGET

Designing mutations on the interior surface of ferritin-like proteins

Dps: DNA protein from starved cells

PI: Jeffery Saven and Ivan Dmochowski

Ferritin proteins are protein assemblies with 4-8 nm interior cavities that provide a versatile, biocompatible platform for the synthesis and encapsulation of oxide and metal nanoparticles. Computational design was used to identify hydrophobic mutations of Dps (up to 120 per dodecamer) consistent with the known structure. The structures and rates of iron mineralization for the mutants are comparable to that of the natural protein.

Conclusions:

Ferritin-like proteins are robust with respect to designed interior mutations These proteins may provide vehicles for synthesis and improved bioavailability of nanoparticles.